AS a travel writer, the questions I get asked most often are “Where are your favourite places?” and “Where should I go on my holidays?” Well, I’m here in this new weekly travel section for the Sunday National to answer those questions as I share a suitcase stuffed full of brilliant places with you and seek to inspire your holiday choices, whether home or abroad, blowout trip or budget break.
This week, I’m here to introduce myself rather than just plough straight into the first destination. We’re going to be travelling companions after all. I’ve been a travel writer since 1997, and I’ve seen a lot of changes; my fair share of ups and downs in travel too. But what has stayed consistent is my own love of travel and the enduring passion of the people I write for to explore and enjoy. Economic tough times may hit – and that is happening now – but people still love to get away.
Over the years, I’ve been incredibly lucky to experience life in over 100 countries, from Albania to Zambia. On the way, I’ve written thousands of articles for magazines and newspapers across five continents, as well as over 30 travel books. I’ve talked travel on the radio and TV too. There is nothing I enjoy more than sharing my myriad experiences with friends and my family – when they can join me – and then my readers.
